How to Close a Cover Letter: Expert Guide with Examples [2026]

Rishabh Jain
Rishabh Jain
SEO & Growth Strategist
Jan 5, 2026
1 min read
How to Close a Cover Letter: Expert Guide with Examples [2026]

TL;DR - Quick Answer

Close your cover letter with a confident final paragraph that summarizes your value, expresses enthusiasm, includes a clear call to action requesting an interview, thanks the hiring manager, and ends with a professional sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards." Research shows that 83% of hiring managers read cover letters, and 81% have rejected candidates based solely on their cover letter quality. Your closing paragraph is your final opportunity to make a lasting impression—don't waste it with generic phrases like "Thank you for your consideration" that hiring managers have seen thousands of times.

The closing paragraph should be 2-4 sentences (50-75 words) and accomplish four key objectives: reaffirm your interest, summarize your unique value proposition, request next steps, and express gratitude. According to hiring experts, strong closings that include specific calls to action significantly improve response rates compared to passive endings. Whether you're applying for an entry-level position, making a career change, or targeting an executive role, mastering the art of the cover letter closing can dramatically increase your chances of landing an interview.

Key Takeaways

  • Use a professional sign-off: "Sincerely" remains the safest choice for cover letters, followed by "Best regards" and "Kind regards." Avoid casual options like "Cheers" or "Thanks!"

  • Include a specific call to action: Request an interview directly but politely—"I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications" outperforms passive phrases like "Hope to hear from you."

  • Keep it concise: Your closing paragraph should be 50-75 words across 2-4 sentences. 70% of hiring managers prefer brevity.

  • Express genuine enthusiasm: Reiterate your excitement about the specific role and company—generic closings signal a lack of genuine interest.

  • Thank the reader: Showing gratitude for their time and consideration demonstrates professionalism and respect for the hiring process.

Introduction: Why Your Cover Letter Closing Matters More Than You Think

You've crafted an attention-grabbing opening, highlighted your most impressive achievements, and explained why you're perfect for the role. But then comes the moment many job seekers dread: how do you close your cover letter? The closing paragraph might seem like a formality, but research in communication psychology shows that people remember the beginning and end of messages most clearly. This "primacy-recency effect" means your closing could be the last—and most memorable—impression you leave on a hiring manager.

According to a Resume Genius survey, 83% of hiring managers read cover letters even when they're not required, with 45% reviewing them before resumes. More striking, 81% of recruiters have rejected candidates based solely on their cover letter. With stakes this high, your closing paragraph isn't just a polite sign-off—it's a strategic opportunity to secure an interview.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn exactly how to close your cover letter effectively, including proven formulas, industry-specific approaches, real examples, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're a recent graduate, career changer, or experienced professional, you'll discover how to craft a closing that compels hiring managers to pick up the phone. And if you're short on time, our AI cover letter generator can create professionally-crafted closings tailored to your specific situation in under 60 seconds.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Cover Letter Closing

A well-crafted cover letter closing isn't accidental—it follows a proven structure that accomplishes multiple objectives simultaneously. Understanding each component helps you create closings that feel natural while strategically advancing your candidacy. The most effective closings combine four essential elements in a specific order, creating a logical flow that guides the reader toward taking action.

The Four Essential Components

Every powerful cover letter closing contains these four elements, though the exact wording varies based on your situation and the company culture:

  1. Value Summary: A brief restatement of what you bring to the role (using fresh language, not repeating your letter verbatim)

  2. Enthusiasm Statement: Genuine excitement about the specific opportunity and company

  3. Call to Action: A clear, confident request for next steps (typically an interview)

  4. Gratitude Expression: Sincere thanks for the reader's time and consideration

This formula—Value + Enthusiasm + CTA + Gratitude—creates a natural progression that reminds the hiring manager why you're qualified, demonstrates genuine interest, makes it easy for them to take action, and ends on a positive, professional note.

Ideal Length and Format

According to career experts and hiring manager surveys, your closing paragraph should be 2-4 sentences totaling 50-75 words. This length provides enough space to accomplish all four objectives without overwhelming the reader or appearing wordy. Remember, 70% of hiring managers prefer concise cover letters, so brevity demonstrates respect for their time.

The format should include your closing paragraph, followed by a line break, your professional sign-off with a comma (e.g., "Sincerely,"), another line break (or space for a handwritten signature on printed letters), and finally your full name. For digital submissions, you can add your phone number and email below your name if they're not already in your header.

Professional Sign-Offs: Choosing the Right Closing Salutation

The sign-off you choose sends subtle signals about your professionalism and understanding of business etiquette. While it might seem like a minor detail, using an inappropriate closing can undermine an otherwise excellent cover letter. Different situations call for different levels of formality, and matching your sign-off to the context demonstrates awareness and attention to detail.

The Best Sign-Offs for Cover Letters (Ranked)

"Sincerely" — The gold standard for cover letters. This classic sign-off works universally across industries, company cultures, and situations. It's professional without being stiff, personal without being casual. If you're unsure what to use, "Sincerely" is always a safe choice.

"Best regards" — A slightly less formal alternative that's still widely accepted. "Best regards" works well when you've had prior contact with the recipient or when applying to less traditional companies. It strikes a balance between professional and personable.

"Kind regards" — Warm and professional, this option adds a touch of friendliness while maintaining appropriate formality. It's particularly suitable for industries where relationship-building is valued, such as marketing, PR, or customer-facing roles.

"Respectfully" — Reserve this highly formal sign-off for specific situations: government positions, military applications, academic correspondence, or when writing to someone significantly senior. In most corporate settings, it may feel overly stiff.

"Thank you" — Simple and appropriate, especially when your closing paragraph doesn't already include extensive thanks. However, some hiring managers view it as less polished than "Sincerely" for formal applications.

Sign-Offs to Avoid

Certain closings can instantly make your application seem unprofessional or inappropriate. Avoid these common missteps:

  • "Cheers" — Too casual for most professional contexts; acceptable only in very creative, informal environments

  • "Thanks!" — The exclamation mark undermines professionalism; if using thanks, write it formally

  • "Warmly" — Can feel too personal or emotional for a job application

  • "Take care" — Appropriate for personal correspondence, not professional applications

  • "Yours truly" — Outdated and overly formal; rarely used in modern business communication

  • "Best" — Too abbreviated and informal; use "Best regards" instead

  • "Sent from my iPhone" — Never leave auto-signatures on application materials

British vs. American Conventions

If you're applying internationally, be aware of regional differences. In British English, the traditional rule is: use "Yours sincerely" when you know the recipient's name (Dear Mr. Smith) and "Yours faithfully" when you don't (Dear Hiring Manager). American English is more flexible, with "Sincerely" working in both situations. When in doubt, research the company's headquarters location and match local conventions.

Writing a Powerful Call to Action

Your call to action (CTA) is arguably the most important element of your closing paragraph. It's the moment where you transition from presenting your qualifications to explicitly asking for the opportunity to interview. A weak or missing CTA leaves hiring managers uncertain about your level of interest, while an effective one creates momentum toward the next step in the hiring process.

The key is striking the right balance: confident enough to demonstrate genuine interest, but not so aggressive that you seem presumptuous. Career coach Amanda Augustine notes, "Your cover letter's call to action should professionally express your excitement for the role and eagerness to take the next steps." Understanding what makes a good cover letter includes mastering this delicate balance.

Effective CTA Examples

Here are proven call-to-action phrases that hiring managers respond to positively:

  • Direct but professional: "I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in [skill] can contribute to [Company]'s goals."

  • Enthusiasm-focused: "I'm excited about the possibility of bringing my [skill] expertise to your team and would love to discuss this opportunity further."

  • Value-oriented: "I look forward to exploring how my background in [achievement area] can help [Company] achieve [specific goal]."

  • Availability-focused: "I'm available to discuss my qualifications at your convenience and can be reached at [phone/email]."

  • Conversational: "I'd be thrilled to learn more about the role and share additional examples of how I've [relevant achievement]."

CTAs to Avoid

Some call-to-action phrases can actually hurt your application by seeming passive, presumptuous, or desperate:

  • Too passive: "I hope to hear from you soon" — Shows uncertainty rather than confidence

  • Too aggressive: "I will call your office next week to schedule an interview" — Comes across as entitled and pushy

  • Too vague: "Please let me know if you need anything else" — Doesn't advance your candidacy

  • Too desperate: "I really need this job" — Undermines your professional image

  • Too generic: "Thank you for your consideration" — Forgettable and doesn't request action

Expressing Enthusiasm and Gratitude Effectively

Hiring managers consistently report that genuine enthusiasm influences their interview decisions. According to LinkedIn research, candidates who demonstrate specific interest in the company and role are significantly more likely to receive callbacks. But there's a difference between authentic enthusiasm and hollow phrases—and experienced recruiters can spot the difference immediately.

Authentic vs. Generic Enthusiasm

Generic phrases like "I'm excited about this opportunity" tell the hiring manager nothing about your actual interest. Instead, tie your enthusiasm to specific aspects of the role or company:

Generic (avoid): "I am very interested in this position."

Specific (better): "I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company]'s expansion into sustainable packaging, having followed your environmental initiatives since 2022."

This specificity demonstrates that you've researched the company and understand what makes them unique. It transforms your enthusiasm from a standard pleasantry into evidence of genuine interest and preparation. If you're crafting multiple applications, our AI cover letter generator can help you customize enthusiasm statements for each company.

The Right Way to Thank Hiring Managers

Expressing gratitude serves multiple purposes: it demonstrates professionalism, acknowledges the time investment required to review applications, and creates a positive final impression. However, there's a right way and wrong way to do it.

Effective gratitude expressions:

  • "Thank you for considering my application."

  • "I appreciate you taking the time to review my qualifications."

  • "Thank you for the opportunity to share how I could contribute to [Company]."

Avoid over-thanking:

  • "Thank you so much for taking the time out of your incredibly busy schedule..." — Too effusive

  • "I can't thank you enough for this opportunity..." — Excessive

  • Multiple thank-yous in the same paragraph — Redundant

How to Close Your Cover Letter for Different Situations

While the fundamental principles of cover letter closings remain consistent, different career situations call for tailored approaches. Your closing should reflect your unique circumstances while still accomplishing the four essential objectives. Let's explore how to adapt your closing for common scenarios.

Entry-Level and Fresh Graduate Closings

When you lack extensive professional experience, your closing should emphasize eagerness to learn, transferable skills, and enthusiasm for growth. Avoid apologizing for limited experience—instead, position your fresh perspective as an asset.

Example: "I'm eager to apply my academic background in data analysis and my internship experience at [Company] to contribute to your marketing team. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my fresh perspective and commitment to excellence can add value to [Company]. Thank you for considering my application."

For more guidance on crafting entry-level applications, explore our cover letter examples section, which includes samples for candidates at all experience levels.

Career Change Closings

When switching industries, your closing should confidently connect transferable skills to the new role while acknowledging your unique value proposition as a career changer. Adjectives like "eager," "excited," and "thrilled" demonstrate readiness to hit the ground running.

Example: "My decade of experience in project management has equipped me with the strategic thinking and leadership skills essential for product management success. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring this cross-functional expertise to [Company] and would love to discuss how my diverse background can offer fresh insights to your team. Thank you for your consideration."

Remote Position Closings

For remote roles, subtly reinforce your remote work capabilities and communication skills in your closing. Employers want assurance that you can thrive without in-person supervision.

Example: "Having successfully managed remote teams and delivered projects across time zones for the past three years, I'm confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your distributed team. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my remote work expertise and self-directed approach can support [Company]'s goals. Thank you for your time."

Executive and Senior-Level Closings

Senior candidates should convey confidence and strategic value without arrogance. Focus on high-level impact and leadership contributions rather than specific tasks.

Example: "With a proven track record of driving revenue growth exceeding $50M annually, I'm confident in my ability to lead [Company]'s expansion initiatives. I look forward to discussing how my strategic vision and operational expertise can contribute to your next phase of growth. Thank you for your consideration."

Internal Position Closings

When applying internally, leverage your existing knowledge of the company while demonstrating ambition and readiness for new challenges.

Example: "Having contributed to our team's success over the past two years, I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my institutional knowledge and proven results to this new role. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can continue adding value in this expanded capacity. Thank you for considering my application."

Industry-Specific Cover Letter Closings

Different industries have different cultures, and your closing should reflect the norms and expectations of your target field. What works for a law firm application would feel out of place at a startup, and vice versa. Understanding these nuances demonstrates your awareness of industry culture and your ability to adapt your communication style.

Corporate and Traditional Industries

For banking, law, accounting software providers, consulting, and other traditional professional services, maintain a polished, formal tone throughout your closing. Use "Sincerely" or "Respectfully" as your sign-off, and keep the language professional without being stiff.

Example: "I am confident that my analytical expertise and attention to detail make me well-suited for this role at [Firm]. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to your team's continued success. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,"

Creative Industries

For advertising, design, media, and entertainment roles, you have more flexibility to show personality while remaining professional. Your closing can be slightly warmer, and you might reference your portfolio or creative work. Understanding the appropriate tone for creative roles helps you stand out authentically.

Example: "I'd love to bring my creative vision and collaborative spirit to [Agency]'s innovative campaigns. My portfolio at [URL] showcases my range, and I'm excited to discuss how my approach aligns with your team's creative direction. Thanks for your consideration. Best regards,"

Technology and Startups

Tech companies and startups often value directness and authentic communication. Your closing can be conversational while still professional, and you might reference technical skills or project links. "Best regards" or "Best" are often acceptable in these environments.

Example: "I'm genuinely excited about [Startup]'s mission to revolutionize [industry], and I'm eager to contribute my full-stack development experience to your engineering team. I'd love to chat more about how my background in scalable systems can support your growth. Best regards,"

Healthcare and Education

These fields value compassion, dedication, and service orientation. Your closing should reflect your commitment to helping others while demonstrating professional competence. Our cover letter for teaching jobs guide provides additional context for educational roles.

Example: "My passion for patient care and my clinical experience make me eager to contribute to [Hospital]'s mission of excellence in healthcare. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills can support your team and the patients you serve. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,"

Email vs. Printed Cover Letter Closings

The format you use to submit your cover letter affects how you should structure your closing. While the core content remains similar, there are important formatting differences between emailed and printed cover letters that demonstrate your understanding of professional correspondence conventions.

Email Cover Letter Closing Format

For cover letters sent via email (whether in the body or as an attachment), follow these guidelines:

  • No handwritten signature needed: A typed full name is sufficient for digital submissions

  • Contact information placement: Include your phone and email in an email signature block below your name, or ensure they're in your header

  • File naming: If attaching as PDF, name it professionally: "FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter.pdf"

  • Email signature: You can set up a professional email signature, but avoid auto-signatures like "Sent from my iPhone"

For more comprehensive guidance on professional email communication, our guide on how to end an email covers additional best practices that apply to cover letter emails.

Printed Cover Letter Closing Format

For mailed or hand-delivered cover letters:

  • Leave signature space: Include 3-4 blank lines between your sign-off and typed name for a handwritten signature

  • Use quality paper: Print on the same paper stock as your resume for a cohesive presentation

  • Contact information: Your full address, phone, and email should appear at the top of the letter

  • Sign in blue or black ink: A handwritten signature adds a personal touch and authenticity

Should You Add a P.S. to Your Cover Letter?

The postscript (P.S.) is a controversial cover letter strategy. Direct mail marketers have long known that P.S. lines draw attention and increase engagement—research shows readers' eyes are naturally drawn to postscripts. But does this marketing tactic translate to job applications? The answer is: it depends.

Arguments For Using a P.S.

  • Attention-grabbing: A P.S. creates visual interest and can highlight your most compelling qualification

  • Memorable: It gives you an extra opportunity to leave a lasting impression

  • Unique selling point: You can use it to emphasize an achievement that didn't fit naturally elsewhere

Arguments Against Using a P.S.

  • May seem unprofessional: Some hiring managers view it as a gimmick or suggest you don't know how to organize content

  • "Burying the lede": If your P.S. contains your best qualification, it should be in your opening, not hidden at the end

  • Industry expectations: Traditional industries may view it negatively

Best Practices If You Use a P.S.

If you decide to use a postscript, follow these guidelines:

  • Keep it to 1-2 sentences maximum

  • Include genuinely compelling new information, not a repeat of your letter content

  • Use it sparingly—not for every application

  • Avoid it for traditional industries like banking, law, or government

  • Consider it for creative roles or startups where standing out is valued

Example P.S.: "P.S. I noticed [Company] is launching [initiative] next quarter—I recently led a similar project that increased customer engagement by 45% and would love to share insights."

Common Cover Letter Closing Mistakes to Avoid

Even strong candidates sabotage their applications with closing paragraph mistakes. According to recruiters, 51% of hiring managers will reject otherwise qualified candidates based on weak cover letters. Avoiding these common errors can mean the difference between landing an interview and having your application dismissed.

Mistake #1: Being Too Passive

Passive closings suggest a lack of confidence and enthusiasm. Phrases like "I hope you'll consider my application" or "Please let me know if you need anything else" don't create momentum toward an interview.

Instead: Use confident, active language that requests specific next steps. "I look forward to discussing how I can contribute" is stronger than "I hope to hear from you."

Mistake #2: Being Too Aggressive

The opposite extreme is equally damaging. Statements like "I will call your office next Tuesday to schedule an interview" come across as entitled and presumptuous, not confident. Remember, you're requesting consideration, not demanding it.

Mistake #3: Introducing New Information

Your closing should wrap up your argument, not introduce new qualifications or skills. If you find yourself wanting to add significant new information in the closing, revise your body paragraphs instead.

Mistake #4: Apologizing

Never use your closing to apologize for gaps in experience or "missing" qualifications. Statements like "Although I don't have experience in..." spotlight weaknesses rather than strengths. Focus on what you bring, not what you lack.

Mistake #5: Using Generic Phrases

"Thank you for your time and consideration" is not a memorable closing—it's the bare minimum. Generic closings suggest you haven't put thought into your application. Customize your closing to reflect genuine interest in the specific role and company.

Mistake #6: Discussing Salary or Benefits

Your closing paragraph is not the place to mention compensation expectations, benefits questions, or work arrangements unless specifically asked. These topics belong in later interview discussions, not initial applications.

Mistake #7: Spelling and Grammar Errors

Errors in your closing paragraph are particularly damaging because they're the last thing the reader sees. Always proofread carefully, use spell-check, and ideally have someone else review your letter before sending.

Complete Cover Letter Closing Examples

Seeing complete examples helps you understand how all the elements work together. Here are several fully-crafted closing paragraphs for different situations, each following the Value + Enthusiasm + CTA + Gratitude formula:

Example 1: Marketing Manager Position

My track record of developing campaigns that exceeded ROI targets by an average of 35% demonstrates my ability to drive measurable results. I'm particularly excited about [Company]'s recent expansion into digital-first marketing and would love to bring my expertise in data-driven campaign optimization to your team. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your needs and would be happy to share additional campaign results. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Example 2: Software Engineer Position

Between my experience architecting scalable microservices and my passion for clean, maintainable code, I'm confident I can contribute meaningfully to [Company]'s engineering culture. I'm genuinely excited about the technical challenges you're solving in the [specific technology] space and would love to discuss how my background can support your roadmap. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to the opportunity to connect.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 3: Entry-Level Analyst Position

My academic background in quantitative analysis, combined with my internship experience at [Previous Company], has prepared me to contribute immediately to your team. I'm eager to apply my skills in [specific area] and am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow at [Company]. I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further and am available to meet at your convenience. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Example 4: Career Change (Teacher to Corporate Trainer)

My decade of experience engaging and educating diverse audiences has honed the instructional design and presentation skills essential for corporate training excellence. I'm excited about the opportunity to apply my pedagogical expertise to [Company]'s employee development initiatives and to help your team achieve its learning objectives. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my unique background can bring fresh perspective to your training programs. Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 5: Executive/Director Level

Throughout my career, I've built and led teams that have driven over $75M in revenue growth while maintaining industry-leading employee retention. I'm drawn to [Company]'s ambitious growth trajectory and believe my experience scaling operations in similar high-growth environments positions me to make an immediate impact. I look forward to discussing how my strategic vision aligns with your leadership needs. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

[Your Name]

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write Your Cover Letter Closing

Now that you understand the principles, let's walk through the exact process of crafting your closing paragraph. Follow these steps to create a compelling conclusion that advances your candidacy. For those who want to streamline this process, our cover letter templates provide ready-to-customize frameworks.

Step 1: Identify Your Key Value Proposition

Before writing, identify the single most compelling qualification or achievement you want to reinforce. This should tie directly to the job requirements and be different from what you've already emphasized in your opening.

Step 2: Research Company-Specific Details

Find something specific about the company that genuinely excites you—a recent initiative, their mission, culture elements, or future direction. This becomes your enthusiasm anchor.

Step 3: Draft Your Value Summary (1-2 sentences)

Summarize your key qualification using fresh language. Don't repeat your opening verbatim—rephrase or highlight a different angle of your experience.

Step 4: Add Your Enthusiasm Statement (1 sentence)

Connect your interest to the specific company detail you identified. Make it clear why this particular opportunity excites you, not just any job in your field.

Step 5: Craft Your Call to Action (1 sentence)

Request an interview or further discussion confidently but politely. Be clear about what you want to happen next without being demanding.

Step 6: Express Gratitude (1 sentence)

Thank the reader for their time and consideration. Keep it simple and genuine—one "thank you" is sufficient.

Step 7: Choose Your Sign-Off

Select a professional sign-off appropriate to your industry and the company culture. When in doubt, use "Sincerely."

Step 8: Review and Refine

Read your closing aloud to check for flow. Verify it's 50-75 words and accomplishes all four objectives. Proofread for errors, especially in the company name and your contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to close a cover letter?

The best cover letter closing combines four elements: a brief value summary, genuine enthusiasm for the specific role, a confident call to action requesting an interview, and sincere gratitude. Use a professional sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," and keep the closing paragraph to 50-75 words (2-4 sentences). The closing should feel natural while strategically reinforcing why you're the right candidate.

Should I say 'Sincerely' or 'Best regards' in a cover letter?

Both are appropriate, but "Sincerely" is the more traditional and universally accepted choice for cover letters. Use "Sincerely" when applying to traditional industries (finance, law, healthcare) or when unsure about company culture. "Best regards" works well for less formal environments like tech startups, creative agencies, or when you've had prior contact with the recipient. Either choice demonstrates professionalism.

How do you end a cover letter with a call to action?

End with a confident statement that requests next steps while remaining polite. Effective phrases include: "I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications," "I look forward to exploring how I can contribute to your team," or "I would be happy to discuss how my experience aligns with your needs." Avoid passive phrases like "I hope to hear from you" or aggressive statements like "I will call to schedule an interview."

How long should a cover letter closing be?

A cover letter closing should be 50-75 words across 2-4 sentences, followed by your sign-off and name. This length provides enough space to summarize your value, express enthusiasm, include a call to action, and thank the reader—without being wordy. Research shows 70% of hiring managers prefer concise cover letters, so brevity demonstrates respect for their time.

What should you not say at the end of a cover letter?

Avoid these common closing mistakes: passive phrases ("Hope to hear from you"), aggressive demands ("I will call next week"), apologies for lacking qualifications ("Although I don't have experience..."), salary discussions, generic statements ("Thank you for your consideration" alone), excessive enthusiasm ("I would LOVE this opportunity!!!"), and new qualifications not mentioned elsewhere. These undermine your professionalism and confidence.

How do you sign off a cover letter without knowing the name?

When you don't know the recipient's name, "Sincerely" remains the best sign-off choice. While British convention suggests "Yours faithfully" for unknown recipients, "Sincerely" is universally acceptable in American business correspondence. Make reasonable efforts to find the hiring manager's name through LinkedIn, the company website, or by calling the company—personalization significantly improves response rates.

Should I include my phone number in the cover letter closing?

Yes, including contact information makes it easy for hiring managers to reach you. If your phone and email are already in your header, you can reference them briefly ("I can be reached at the contact information above"). For email submissions, include contact details in an email signature block. For printed letters, ensure contact information appears prominently in your header.

How do I close a cover letter for an email?

For emailed cover letters, use the same closing structure as printed letters: closing paragraph, professional sign-off with comma, and your full name. Key differences: you don't need a handwritten signature, and you can include contact information in an email signature block. Ensure the email subject line is professional (e.g., "Application for [Position] - [Your Name]"). Attach your cover letter as a PDF if the posting requests it.

Is it okay to end a cover letter with 'Thank you'?

"Thank you" alone as a sign-off is acceptable but less traditional than "Sincerely" or "Best regards." It works particularly well when your closing paragraph already expresses extensive gratitude. However, for maximum professionalism, especially in traditional industries, pair your thank-you statement in the closing paragraph with a more conventional sign-off like "Sincerely."

How do you close a cover letter for a career change?

When changing careers, use your closing to confidently bridge your past experience to the new role. Emphasize transferable skills and unique perspective. Example: "My decade of client service experience has prepared me to excel in account management, and I'm excited to bring this customer-first mindset to [Company]. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my diverse background offers valuable insights for this role." Show enthusiasm for the transition rather than apologizing for a non-traditional path.

Should I mention the job title in my cover letter closing?

While not required, referencing the specific position reinforces your focus and helps with applicant tracking systems. You can incorporate it naturally: "I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute as your next Marketing Manager" or "I look forward to discussing the Product Designer role." This is especially important when applying to companies with multiple open positions to ensure your application is routed correctly.

How do I end a cover letter for an internship?

Internship cover letters should emphasize eagerness to learn and contribute. Close by expressing enthusiasm for the learning opportunity, not just the company name on your resume. Example: "I'm excited about the opportunity to develop my skills in [area] while contributing to [Company]'s projects. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my academic background and internship goals align with your team's needs. Thank you for considering my application."

Conclusion: Close Strong, Land the Interview

Your cover letter closing is more than a formality—it's your final opportunity to leave a memorable impression on hiring managers. By following the Value + Enthusiasm + CTA + Gratitude formula, choosing appropriate sign-offs, and avoiding common mistakes, you significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Remember the key principles: be confident without being arrogant, specific rather than generic, and concise while still compelling. Match your tone to the industry and company culture, proofread carefully, and always include a clear call to action. The difference between a forgettable closing and one that lands interviews often comes down to these details.

If crafting the perfect closing feels overwhelming, or if you're applying to multiple positions and need efficiency, our AI cover letter generator creates professionally-crafted, customized cover letters—including polished closings—in under 60 seconds. Simply upload your resume and the job description, and receive a complete cover letter tailored to your specific situation. Whether you're an entry-level candidate, career changer, or experienced professional, our AI ensures your closing makes the right impression every time.

Now go write a closing that gets results. Your next interview could be one well-crafted paragraph away.

Published on January 5, 2026

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